Western Michigan knows that the outcome of its controversial loss to Michigan from Week 1 is not going to be changed in the record books, but it is earnestly hopes that the College Football Playoff selection committee will analyze the game as a Broncos victory when it comes time to fill out the 12-team field. The program did not get the exact response it was hoping for, which will only fuel speculation.

Michigan escaped a historic upset loss on its own field after a second was added back on the clock and Bryce Underwood was given another Hail Mary attempt at the end of regulation. The former five-star quarterback capitalized on the second chance and linked up with wide receiver JJ Buchanan for the improbable 47-yard touchdown and 13-12 win.

NBC's broadcast showed that time had expired, but the officials ruled that a Western Michigan player who was out of bounds touched the ball with a second still on the clock. The FBS oversight committee ruled that the right protocol was not followed and that the Wolverines were incorrectly awarded another play. Nevertheless, the score stands. But how will this disputed result be judged in December?

CFP addresses Michigan-Western Michigan controversy

“The CFP has reviewed the letter from the Mid-American Conference. While we appreciate the concerns that were raised, the CFP does not have the authority to change or otherwise alter the outcome of game splayed during the regular season,” the CFP told ESPN senior writer Heather Dinich. “The CFP Selection Committee evaluates all teams on a comprehensive body of work over a full season, driven by how teams perform in each game.

“The Committee's evaluation is informed by a broad range of inputs, not just wins and losses. These measures and data points include Opponent Team Strength, Schedule Strength and Record Strength, with rankings determined by comparing the full profile rather than any single metric. The performance of both teams in this contest will be evaluated by the individuals on the Selection Committee as played, alongside every other game on both teams' schedules.”

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The CFP is stating that it will review the game beyond the scoreboard, but it stopped short of openly penalizing Michigan or rewarding Western Michigan. So, what are fans to make of this stance?

Since no official declaration was made, it is possible the CFP Selection Committee is hoping that the issue will resolve itself over the course of the campaign. Though, if this Sept. 5 showdown in Ann Arbor does affect how the bracket is assembled, then a huge decision will take place.

In the meanwhile, the NCAA is doing what it can to prevent any more clock-related controversy. A standard timing protocol dictates that the replay official uses the embedded game clock contained within the program feed when adjusting the time. The Broncos do not want to merely pave the way for future change, however. They want to benefit this year.

The CFP can essentially grant or deny that demand based on its assessment. Stay tuned.